Deforestation Has Led to Loss of 8 More Bird Species in This Decade

The damage that humans have done to nature is irrevocable. As the demands of humans are on a rise, the toll is seen on animals, fishes, birds all collectively. A latest analytical study done by BirdLife International, a global conservation group reveals that almost 8 species of birds have been lost due to deforestation in this century. Blue Parrot, the Hawaiian honeycreeper, pygmy owl, glaucous macaw are some among the lost species. Lesser Floricans, Found Only in Indian Subcontinent, Are in Trouble; May Go Extinct: Survey.

The researchers used a method to analyse data for a dozen bird species that were marked as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They found that 8 birds have been lost, thanks to the growing destruction for human habitat. The birds include- gleaner, poo-uli, the Alagoas foliage-gleaner, the cryptic treehunter, the New Caledonian lorikeet, the Javan lapwing, the Pernambuco pygmy-owl and the Glaucous macaw. There are some efforts to protect the Spix macaw- a blue parrot and reintroduce them in Brazilian forests. However, it is not known yet if they will be fruitful. Attractive Species Can go Extinct Faster Compared to Others, Says Research.

Take a look at Stuart Butchart, the lead author's statement about the bird extinction:

Stuart Butchart, the lead author of the paper said, "Ninety percent of bird extinctions in recent centuries have been of species on islands. Our results confirm that there is a growing wave of extinctions sweeping across the continents, driven mainly by habitat loss and degradation from unsustainable agriculture and logging." Earlier bird extinctions were of the small species who were vulnerable to hunting or other invasive species. But the latest study points to deforestation that took place in the South American continent, responsible for the loss.

The researchers studied more than 51 species of avians on the red list and had search efforts with the help of a new statistical approach. But they found that these species were on a definite brink of extinction.